How to get into the best clubs

And maybe even leave with the prettiest date

Club-going is a glossy oontz-oontz minefield, especially when travelling abroad: What to wear? Who to bring? Does bottle service make me look douchey? (Not entirely.) The duo behind every Hollywood star’s favourite New York late-night party spill secrets on how to run the room.

With clubs worth their velvet rope, getting in means getting past a guy at the door. And if you do, many splendours await, as long as you play your cards right: On a good night, guys like Leo and Jay-Z are living large while staring out at a sea of stunning women. If only Eugene Remm (in the blue suit) and Mark Birnbaum, the two thirty something late-night magnates who opened Catch – which spreads to LA, Mexico City and Dubai this year – could usher you through, you wouldn’t have to worry. So here’s the next best thing: their game plan for winning over the bartender, owning the room and maybe even getting her number (assuming Leo doesn’t ask for it first).

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Image: Getty Images

Start with the tip

Mark: Always open a tab. Tell the guy you’re going to be buying drinks from him all night long. And it’s not a bad idea to tip at the beginning of the night. That way, when things get crowded, he’ll be looking to take care of you because you already took care of him.

Image: Getty Images

Say no to sparklers

Eugene: If you’re doing bottle service, less is more. Pay for the real estate so you’re comfortable, but don’t overdo it.

Mark: You’ll probably get more respect by not being that guy who buys stuff for no apparent reason..

Image: Jaideep Oberoi

Nothing money can’t fix

Mark: Any problem you have, like getting in or getting a table, can usually be solved with Rs.1,000 – 5,000, depending on where you’re going. Just don’t be rude about the handoff.

Image: Shutterstock

You can bring a winglady...

Mark: Always come with a pretty girl. It’s the easiest way to get in.

Eugene: I’ve noticed it’s also the easiest way to get the attention of all the women inside. And of everyone who works there, too.

Image: Arjun Mark

... But leave the wingtips behind

Eugene: The best style accessory you can wear on a night out is a great haircut. Shirts, jackets – whatever – can be overlooked. But a great haircut is the smartest investment a man can make.

Mark: And high-end sneakers!

Image: Tarun Vishwa

The smoother move

Eugene: Offer to buy her a drink. If she accepts, you have 20 minutes, max, to get her to see something.

Mark: And if she’s with a guy and you’re not sure what their deal is, mouth over: Boyfriend? If she says no, you know she’s interested. If she says yes, whether it’s true or not, you saved some embarrassment.